A World Where You All Are The Villains - Chapter 27.1
A few days passed.
Fortunately, since that day, the Duke hadn’t called for me again.
During that time, except for my trips to the library, I didn’t set foot outside my room.
Just as I’d been told to keep a low profile, even my meals were brought to my room, and the peace was absolute.
Even though, no matter how many books I pored over, I couldn’t find a single clue about transmigration, and the female lead’s whereabouts remained a complete mystery…
I rather liked this half-measure peace.
‘If only things could stay this way, without ever having to run into those male leads…’
But when had this damned novel world ever gone the way I wanted?
“…A banquet at the Imperial Palace?”
I stared at the butler, who’d come looking for me early in the morning, with a puzzled expression.
In the novel, banquets at the imperial palace were often held after fierce battles or the clearing of large-scale Gates.
They were meant to honor the Awakeners who had achieved great feats and to celebrate victory…
Yeah, right.
‘It’s probably just another episode where all the main characters gather to sing the female lead’s praises.’
Or maybe a cathartic scene where villainous extras like Edith get thoroughly humiliated.
Or a date with one of the male leads.
It was always one of those three.
That’s why I found it even more odd.
“Isn’t it enough for just Father and Brother to attend? Why invite me?”
“I’m not sure about that part… I heard this banquet is being held directly by Grand Duke Belnac to commemorate the suppression of a large-scale Gate in the North.”
“Belnac…?”
I suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.
― Just arousing suspicion from Grand Duke Belnac could get you framed and executed.
It was a name I’d heard in my conversation with the Duke a few days ago.
The names in this cursed novel are so unnecessarily long, I can never remember most of them.
That’s why I keep having to ask who’s who.
But even if I didn’t know the name, I distinctly remembered there was only one person referred to as ‘the Grand Duke of the North’.
‘…Male Lead #4!’
The final male lead, who only really appears after Edith’s death.
‘Didn’t I have absolutely no connection with him?’
Even as a noble, non-Awakeners weren’t strictly required to attend banquets.
Official invitations were usually addressed to the family name, not individuals.
I looked down at the envelope the butler had handed me.
「 To Miss Edith Blake 」
My name was written there in bold letters.
Then I noticed the golden imperial seal stamped in wax, sealing the envelope.
‘Even if he’s the host, for a Grand Duke to use the imperial seal…’
It didn’t feel right.
I didn’t want to open it, but with the butler watching me so intently, I had no choice.
I broke the seal with a paper knife and took out the invitation.
「 A toast to the one who survived until the end.
To commemorate this victory, a banquet will be held, and you are requested to attend and grace the occasion with your presence.
— Serge Belnac 」
The bold handwriting was concise, but something about it gave me a bad feeling.
‘The one who survived until the end. Is he talking about… me…?’
No, no. It’s just a common turn of phrase to celebrate victory. I’m being paranoid.
‘But the Duke did say this bastard suspects me of having something to do with the female lead’s disappearance!’
Definitely a bad omen.
“Butler, do I really have to attend?”
“I believe it would be best if you did. The invitation is addressed directly to you, after all…”
“What if I say I’m still unwell and decline?”
“I can’t say for sure, but I’ve heard Grand Duke Belnac isn’t exactly known for his gentle nature.”
The butler gave me a rather anxious look.
Of course, I already knew the male leads’ personalities were all disasters.
But seeing him try to dissuade me so seriously, it seemed that Male Lead #4’s nickname, ‘Mad Dog of Carnage,’ wasn’t just exaggerated for drama.
While I was stewing in gloom, the butler cautiously asked,
“…Milady, what’s written in that letter to make you look so troubled?”
“What do you mean, my expression?”
“It’s just the same look you get when you’re searching for perfume bottles or trinkets…”
Sir. I said I was in despair, didn’t I?
I forced a sweet smile.
“Then could you go fetch them for me now?”
“Ah, n-no! Forgive me, Milady! I just suddenly remembered something I forgot to do, so I’ll be going now!”
He bolted from the room like his tail was on fire.
Bam!
The moment the door shut, I dropped the forced smile.
“Ha…”
Trying to recall all the information I’d filed away about Male Lead #4, thinking he’d have nothing to do with me, made my head hurt.
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